Can apple trees be pruned in summer? When is the best time to prune?

The main function of apple tree pruning is to reduce nutrient loss, control vegetative growth, and allow more nutrients to supply reproductive growth, thereby promoting flower bud differentiation. At the same time, it expands the crown, keeps the tree ventilated and light-permeable, and enhances the tree's resistance to diseases and pests, so as to achieve the goal of early fruiting, high yield and stable yield.

Apple tree pruning in summer

Apple trees can be pruned in the summer . In the summer, apple trees grow vigorously, branches are constantly growing, and the nutrients they need are constantly increasing, which can easily conflict with the growth of fruit trees. Through summer pruning, you can improve the ventilation and light transmission of the tree, prevent diseases and pests, and ensure an adequate supply of nutrients. The specific time is from May to early June .

How to prune apple trees in summer

1. Topping

Apple trees can be topped from May to August. The side branches growing on the back of the fruit-bearing branches and the branches that grow too vigorously should be topped. The method of topping is to pinch off the tip of the branch with your hands and cut off the tender leaves on the top to alleviate the apical dominance.

2. Pull branches

Apple trees are generally pulled before the flower buds differentiate in June. The time should be chosen at noon on a sunny day when the branches are flexible and not easy to break. The branches can be opened to 80 degrees. For main and side branches with too small angles, they cannot be pulled at that time. The time can be postponed to autumn to prevent new branches from emerging.

3. Bend branches

Apple trees should be bent in July and August. External force should be used to weaken the growth of new branches and leggy branches and change the growth direction of the branches. The branches can be bent into a circle. This can make full use of the leggy branches and back branches to achieve the purpose of rationally utilizing space, improving light conditions, enhancing photosynthesis, and promoting the formation of flower buds.

4. Twist the tip

Apple tree tip twisting is usually done in mid-to-late May. When the new shoots growing upright on the back of the main branches and the vigorously growing branches reach 20 cm in length, they are twisted 180 degrees 4-5 cm from the base, thus bending the fruit branches. This can increase photosynthesis and effectively improve yield.